As stated on the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) website, "The highest achieving students come from schools with good library media centers." This fact is at the basis for mission and objectives found in this strategic plan. Our current school libraries do not offer the opportunity for students, staff and community members to have equitable access to a variety of technology tools. By transforming the current, traditional library into a 21st century media center students will no longer be passive recipients of information but they will be able to immerse themselves in the myriad of digital information available today. Furthermore, students will become producers of their own works and be able to deliver a message using the technology available in the 21st century media center. This "student as creator" role aligns with the guidelines put forth by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Specifically, having student create a digital portfolio of their work throughout their time at the high school, will facilitate the acquiring of 21st Century Skills such as:
Global Awareness
Learning and Thinking Skills
Information and Communication Technology Literacy
This plan defines the necessary hardware, software, staff development, management strategies and renovation work that is required to make this proposed transformation a reality. As shown by the executive summary and supporting sections the need for this transformation, in order to meet student and teacher demand for access to technology, is quite evident. Also, as shown by the budget, the ultimate success of this project does not come without a substantial financial commitment. Although some "sticker shock" may occur the cost of inaction is greater. Students and staff can no longer be without such a facility if the expectation is that our students will be productive and successful members of an interconnected 21st century world.
Conclusion
As stated on the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) website, "The highest achieving students come from schools with good library media centers." This fact is at the basis for mission and objectives found in this strategic plan. Our current school libraries do not offer the opportunity for students, staff and community members to have equitable access to a variety of technology tools. By transforming the current, traditional library into a 21st century media center students will no longer be passive recipients of information but they will be able to immerse themselves in the myriad of digital information available today. Furthermore, students will become producers of their own works and be able to deliver a message using the technology available in the 21st century media center. This "student as creator" role aligns with the guidelines put forth by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Specifically, having student create a digital portfolio of their work throughout their time at the high school, will facilitate the acquiring of 21st Century Skills such as:- Global Awareness
- Learning and Thinking Skills
- Information and Communication Technology Literacy
This plan defines the necessary hardware, software, staff development, management strategies and renovation work that is required to make this proposed transformation a reality. As shown by the executive summary and supporting sections the need for this transformation, in order to meet student and teacher demand for access to technology, is quite evident. Also, as shown by the budget, the ultimate success of this project does not come without a substantial financial commitment. Although some "sticker shock" may occur the cost of inaction is greater. Students and staff can no longer be without such a facility if the expectation is that our students will be productive and successful members of an interconnected 21st century world.